Judo

History of Judo

In Feudal Japan, the only weapons were hands (jiujutsu ), knives, clubs, staves, swords, spears, and bows and arrows. Use of these was taught and practiced with scientific and often deadly skill. Teachers held official positions and were highly regarded. Their teachings were promulgated in the many schools that developed.

Toward the end of the Tokugawa era (1576-1876) a great changed occurred in the types of weapons and methods of fighting. The old martial arts fell into rapid disuse and interest diminished accordingly. The jiujutsu masters lost their official positions and were forced to seek employment elsewhere. Many turned to wrestling and to exhibitions at fairs. One man, Jigoro Kano, a student of many of the old masters, realized that the arts were disappearing. He set out to revive, organize and systematize a course of instruction in them. In June, 1882, he established the Kodokan in Tokyo. Today's sport of Judo is that system as developed by Kano in the intervening years.

Judoka are classified in two general groups, the beginners and graded or black belts. The beginners have five classes, called kyu.

A graded Judoka wears a black belt. There are ten grades, first through tenth.